Starting them young: The young parishioners in Mandug

The parishioners of San Alfonso Maria de Liguori in Mandug, Davao City, got the heads up of Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, with the notable participation of the youth in the Holy Mass in time for its parochial fiesta and Rite of Dedication of the Parish Church.

“I am very thankful to the school teachers, principals as well for constantly giving chance for our young students to go to church,” said Abp. Valles.

According to Valles, lectures in schools will not suffice for the students but letting them attend the mass will.

“You know we have the MakaDiyos, Makatao, among others. But if we only conduct lecture without bringing them to church, we won’t be able to pursue our young people,” Abp. Valles said. “Yet if we let them attend the signs and symbols of the church, they will be able to see that we, the ones older are also gathered for the Lord.”

The archbishop added that it is very timely for the youth to be empowered as it is their year.

“This is their year – the Year of the Youth, so allow them to see us, their elders, gathered joyfully, and singing as one for the Lord,” he said.

“Even if they may not seem too attentive, let them be. That is them. What is important is that they made an effort to dress for the Lord. So, congratulations to you young people for being here,” Abp. Valles added.

He also stressed that the young people are the ones next in line.

“If we, the old ones, pass away, the young ones will be the ones to follow us in taking care of this church that we built,” he said.

He then thanked the parishioners for its unique habit.

“Thank you so much for this very beautiful habit of constantly bringing the youth into the church. Not too many parishes practice this,” he said.